NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot was performing a short field takeoff. He accelerated the airplane to 57 to 58 knots indicated airspeed and the airplane veered left. He "cut" the power and applied right rudder to keep the airplane on the runway. The airplane exited the runway and cartwheeled on its nose. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the accident flight. He indicated that he may have inadvertently applied left toe brake during the takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.